How to Take Ashwagandha for Sleep and Insomnia

Many people are ditching over the counter sleep aids and trying the herbal supplement Ashwagandha for sleep issues. We know that this plant-based medicinal has been used for centuries in India to treat a number of conditions and disorders.

It has strong anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties, which it uses to protect cell health in the brain and major organs. But can it help you get a good night’s sleep? According to the latest science, it can.

Taking Ashwagandha for sleeping problems activates mechanisms which cut stress and promote natural relaxation. With more than 30 percent of the world’s population suffering from insomnia at any given time, serious solutions are needed, without the heavy chemical side effects and dependencies associated with conventional sleep aids.

Here’s how this natural nootropic supplement might be able to help.

Ashwagandha

Adaptogen

Stress

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves concentration, fatigue & sleep
• Protects against oxidative stress

Dosage:

Between 300 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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How the Ashwagandha Root Works

The spindly yellow root of the Ashwagandha plant is thought to provide a battery of positive effects throughout the mind and body.

Its name means “smell of the horse” in Sanskrit, referring not just to the earthy odor of the root, but also to the horse-like strength it gives the body.

Traditional cultures in India used this root to promote virility in men, cure chronic pain, and even treat serious conditions like tumors.

Ashwagandha reduces stress by cutting the amount of cortisol, a hormone commonly released by the body during stressful situations. Cortisol triggers various stress reactions in the body, or “fight or flight” reactions. It further cuts stress by reducing blood pressure, and balancing blood sugar levels.

Ashwagandha also has many mental benefits. It is thought to improve memory, and also has a strong neuro protective component.

Shielding cells from the harm of free radicals, Ashwagandha’s antioxidant effects preserve and protect brain cells from the types of decay associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. It is often prescribed as a medicine for these conditions.

Why Are People Taking Ashwagandha For Sleep Issues?

In Ayurveda medicine, Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogen. As the name implies, these medicines are known to help people adapt to new conditions, both physical and emotional. Adaptogens chemically block stress messages in the body, promoting relaxation and peacefulness. It reduces symptoms of anxiety, one of the key issues that prevents people from going to sleep normally.

Ashwagandha quells anxious thoughts and allows the mind to become calm. These anxiolytic effects are achieved by activating signaling via GABA receptors. When these receptors are activated, it results in feelings of calm and relaxation.

The central nervous system is mildly sedated and a sense of peace may result. We think that this is the key to the efficacy of taking Ashwagandha for sleep issues.

Taken before bedtime, a medium-sized dosage of Ashwagandha allows sleep to come naturally and quickly. The sedative effect of Ashwagandha does not lead to a “hangover” the next day as many pharmaceutical sleep aids to. Waking up is natural and free from heavy “brain fog.” For these reasons, Ashwagandha is a natural therapy for people who are suffering from chronic insomnia.

Other Uses

Taking Ashwagandha for sleep is just the beginning of the benefits that this herbal nootropic provides. It has been shown to successfully treat a wide range of issues, notably chronic conditions like arthritis.

It soothes brain ataxia, balances blood sugar for diabetics, and reduces cholesterol. Ashwagandha adds to male potency by increasing sperm counts. It’s an overall booster for immunity, and keeps the liver functioning optimally.

Ashwagandha also works to reduce symptoms of many cognitive imbalances such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It promotes a balanced, confident, peaceful state of mind, allowing patients to rest and relax. Meanwhile, it fosters longevity by reducing cell death in the brain, a leading cause of age-related degenerative disorders.

Does Taking Ashwagandha For Sleep Cause Side Effects?

Many over the counter sleeping pills are notoriously addictive. For this reason, many people are justly uneasy about taking any supplement whatsoever to help with insomnia. Ashwagandha does not cause dependency.

It does however, have some notable side effects which you should keep in mind. Most of these pertain to other serious conditions that users might already have and receive prescription medication for.

If you suffer from any of the following, do not take Ashwagandha as it may aggravate symptoms: high blood pressure, low blood pressure, stomach ulcers, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or thyroid disorders.

While Ashwagandha is considered completely safe for most people, you should not take it at the same time as prescription sedatives like Valium – you may become overly sedated and develop respiratory and circulatory issues as a result. Ashwagandha can be safely combined with SSRIs, or most other natural nootropic supplements.

Dosage Info

Ashwagandha doses are mostly taken at three distinct dosage levels. The strongest dose which is safe for daily consumption is around 6000 mg a day, provided it is broken apart into three different portions and taken morning, afternoon, and evening. This amount will have a strong relaxation and sedative effect.

For a more moderate emotional lift, the dosage of 500 – 1500 mg per day works best, again, divided into multiple sittings. For an immediate, light lift, a tiny dosage of 50 – 100 mg per sitting will provide very gentle relief.

The best time to take Ashwagandha for sleep is about 30 minutes before bedtime. It is customary to take your dosage in a hot beverage, like caffeine-free tea or cocoa. Anxious thoughts should be swiftly dispelled. Then, sleep will come naturally and easy.

This supplement can also be paired with Valerian Root to improve its efficacy as a sleep aid.

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